Ireland Marine Notice - Sulphur content of marine fuels - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

Posted July 9. 2010 - HELLENIC SHIPPING NEWS WORLDWIDE

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Marpol Annex VI regulates the sulphur content of fuel oils for ships trading internationally. Within the EU, there is further legislation, Council Directive 1999/32/EC and its amending Directive 2005/33/EC Ireland’s legislation - The Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuel Regulations 2008, S.I. 119 of 2008 brings this EU legislation into Irish law and amends existing law. All those concerned with shipping and the supply of marine fuel oil should be aware of, and fully implement, the requirements of these regulations. From 1 January 2010, important changes entered into force affecting shipping at berth or at anchor in ports of the State, and bunker suppliers supplying marine fuels to ships in port or at anchor in the State.
Ships at berth or at anchor in the State shall not use fuels that exceed 0.1% sulphur by mass subject to Regulation 7 (4) and 7 (5) of the regulations.
Bunker fuel suppliers in the State are required to register with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and provide certain information annually to SEAI, Regulation 8 (3) and 8 (4). Contact details for SEAI are given at end of this notice.
Vessels entering ports in the State are required to maintain adequate records of fuel changeover operations for compliance with these regulations as a condition of port entry.
In very limited circumstances, there may be a delay in ships being able to comply fully with this legislation. This would usually be due to significant changes having to be made to the burner units of large marine boilers in order to safely burn 0.1% gas oil. If such a condition exists on a ship intending to enter an Irish port or anchorage, the Marine Survey Office (MSO) is to be notified at least 48 hours in advance and full details of the non-compliance are to be explained. Also required will be details of what measures the ship’s management has put in place to move towards full compliance. The MSO will consider each case on its individual merits but, in no case, will blanket exemptions or waivers be given from the requirements of these regulations.
Non-compliance with the requirements of S.I. 119/2008 may result in prosecution.

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